MrBurns84 Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) Hi All, Been meaning to showcase my humble system for over a year now, but just havent had the chance to do so as I have been working away from home for nearly a year. The system was built as my cravings for good quality music emerged over the last 2 years. I started getting into audio via HT, where i've got my HT setup just the way i like it and it fits well in the L shaped lounge room that i have. I started off with a pair of custom Back Loaded Horns with a pair of Fostex 206e drivers from another SNA member. I was quite surprised to hear what these high efficiency drivers could do and that fueled my passion into music even more. Later on that month, i got myself an Tempest push pull tube amp from Weston Acoustics. I was totally blown away with the synergy of a simple but high quality tube amp with the BLH. I was using an Oppo 83SE as my cdp for the interim, although happy with the system, but felt that the player could be better. I wasnt all to convinced with the standard Fostex driver. It needed heaps of hours to be 'run in' and i did all the mods to it, but it fell short with grainy highs. I was told about the modified Fostex drivers (DFR-8) by Decware (USA). So i took a punt and ordered some, which took nearly 2mths to arrive not to mention the $170US shipping cost to get them over!. Luckily that it paid off, the highs were not grainy and much smoother all without that midrange shout! Later on that year, i stumbled across the Audio-GD range and got a DAC3 Special Edition. IMO, this was a great single ended dac based on the renowned PCM1704UK dac chip. This upgrade improved the signature of the sound from my system, as previously running off the Oppo's internal dac (ESS9016), there was a upper midrange glare and on some tracks can sound clinical. Just recently i've had a lucky aquisition from my retired next door neighbour, which landed me a vintage Marantz CD75MK2 player. I was quite surprised to hear how good these vintage players can be as a transport and can be better once modded. (thanks Kajak12) What are the key strengths of this system IMO? Midrange in one word. Bass is good, but it doesnt go low and lets face it small BLH's arent known for low bass. I do believe that these speakers need more space to 'breathe' and sound at thier best. Also, the Tempest output transformers and Dac3SE are voiced with a midrange focus and this is where the setup shines. The speakers are not forgiving with poor sources, cd's etc and it clearly shows it. So at this stage, i'm happy with the system, as it fits my needs perfectly for the moment in the small area where it sits now. I dont think that this system will appeal to the mass, but then again, its all about what you prefer isnt it. My journey has just begun.. Edited March 15, 2011 by Porkbuns69
Gee Emm Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 G'day shog great to see another system I do have a liking for BLH via valves Graham
Full Range Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 Shoggo, I love full range speakers Once bitten its hard to go back FR
MrBurns84 Posted February 11, 2011 Author Posted February 11, 2011 Thanks guys. It fits the bill for the moment, and there is heaps of room for improvement. Happy with using the Dac and Marantz CD75 as a transport for the moment. For the moment, i'm going to work on the Marantz, gut and recondition it with a new housing.
PorkBun69s Posted February 11, 2011 Posted February 11, 2011 Yes its a really good setup. Go and rebuild that Marantz and i'll take it from you once you are done.
valvelover Posted February 12, 2011 Posted February 12, 2011 Nice setup - BLH and valves, must sound good!
PorkBun69s Posted February 21, 2011 Posted February 21, 2011 Good luck mate with your relocation! And thanks for the CDP
King Marty Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Thanks for sharing Shogo. Nice set up indeed. KM
NT3 Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Love those horns and the valve amp sitting on the wooden cabinet. Very inviting setup and thanks for sharing.
PorkBun69s Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Love those horns and the valve amp sitting on the wooden cabinet. Very inviting setup and thanks for sharing. I got that dac!
MrBurns84 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Posted February 23, 2011 And my modded Teac!..but i want her back as its for sale
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